A big part of our latest tutorials - starring Erin O'Connor and Caroline Issa - were the nails. With Sam Biddle, we came up with some new nail effects to compliment Kay Montano's SS12-style makeup looks, and now want to show you how you can achieve the styles yourself. Here's Sam's exclusive how-to guide to Because nail trends.
Rio Glow starring Caroline Issa - The Inked Nail
I adore this look, it has a washed out inked effect, and because it runs up from the tip of the nail it will always make your nails seem longer. Paint your nails a natural shade, then best way to create this effect of by using water based paint, available from www.originalsugar.com these are high quality paints used by nail professionals. Choose an inky blue and water it down, so it becomes a wash, and using a small brush apply to the tip and leave to dry. Then reapply slightly lower, layering this three or four times so the very tip is darker than the first layer. You will find it sits like waves on the nail - don't worry, once the top coat is applied this will blend together beautifully.
Silver Wash starring Erin O'Connor - The Peek a Blue Nail
Most people shy away from using blue on their nails, but it's set to be SS12's coolest accessory colour. These nails have a hint of something extra which peeks out as the light catches them. Paint your nails a baby blue and leave to dry. Using a silver paint or a white if you prefer and the brand new Sugar Styler available from www.originalsugar.com paint thin lines vertically down the nail bed, from the cuticle to the free edge. Apply a topcoat once dry.
Doll Faced Charm starring Caroline Issa - The Don't Be Shy Nail
This effect was created using the Spongeing kit from www.originalsugar.com. It goes along way to making your nail seem long and slender and can be used in any colour combination. Or if your shy about having colour on your nails this is a perfect solution for you. Paint your nails a nude colour, something as close to your skin colour as possible. Once this is dry lay the tulle from the kit over the tips of your nails, it looks best if it is just over the tip. Dip your sponge into some red polish - this polish is Dior - remove excess by dabbing on a kitchen towel and them gently dab over the tulle or lace in the kit. Leave for about 30 seconds and gently remove the material. Once dry, apply topcoat.
Glitter Blink starring Erin O'Connor - The Dangerous Glimmer Nail
Using a range of gold, bronze, copper and brown polishes with shimmers will create this very effective look. Apply a base colour of gold shimmer and allow to dry. With a small sponge dipped in a copper polish, ideally with a shimmer like those from Orly's mineral fx range, dab off excess and then apply over the edge of the nail going up the nail by 1/3. Leave to dry, then with a rich chocolate brown create a similar effect using your sponge going just 1/3 over the copper colour.
The Red Line starring Caroline Issa - The Luna Manicure
The Luna Manicure has been around since the 1950s when a makeup artist from MGM studios added white to the Luna area. Now this very simple and effective look can be created with any two colour combinations. To get this look Paint your nails in a petrol or denim blue. Leave to dry and then with a black polish and a small detail brush paint half moons around the cuticle areas. Topcoat when dry.
Text: Grace Timothy & Sam Biddle
